Buy a good set of Nicholson files and put the grinder down if you'd like to put a really nice finish on something.

Understand that a file only cuts one way and that's usually forward. All that seesawing back and forth people do is bad and dulls your file. Clamp whatever you're working on down to something so you can apply firm pressure to it while filing. Hold the file with two hands; one on the handle and one at the other end. When filing tubing or round things slide the file across as well as forward to keep your round thing round. Files talk. If you're using one correctly it will say zzzzz, zzzzz, zzzzz like Fiscars scissors do. It will also FILE rather than gouge.

Think files are archaic? Go ask the best machinist you can find if he thinks so. He'll convince you otherwise.

I live by my files. Draw filing with a mill smooth file is the best way to keep something's shape and give a bitchin finish, I can actually feel the surface through my file and tell how good it is. The only thing better that that is surface grinding, but not everyone has access to a machine.

It's funny I see all these young apprentices going full bore with a grinder and fucking shit up. They all give me funny looks when I break out my files and blow them away.

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Quote:

Dragon

The problem stems from relying on internet opinions to frame your perspective and actions.

Just get out there and (buy bike, ride bike, re-engineer bike in garage etc..) just DO IT.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon

You know (these days), looking cool when parked has a much higher priority that actual useful function.

100% back this.
I took down the rib weld on my fender w/ a file and it came out dialed.
The control you get with a file is unreal.
I like to be able to control the amount of material removed w/ out looking down and going... oh, shit.